Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

Sample Internal Food Safety Audit

The purpose of this audit is for the Co-ordinator to conduct an assessment of hygiene standards in all
aspects of the food handling procedures carried out in the facility and to ensure that all relevant
Corrective Actions are carried out and documented.
These records will be available for all auditors including those from the NSW Food Authority.
Audit records will be kept for a period of four years as per the NSW Food Authority Guidelines.
Date of Audit ...............................................................................................................
Auditor .........................................................................................................................

Audit Instructions
1. Complete the Internal Food Safety Audit at least twice per year.
2. If necessary, complete an audit for each food service area within the organisation
3. The audit consists of two types of review:A Desktop Audit i.e. a review of the documentation and records used as part of the
organisations Food Safety Program; and
An on-Site Audit of the practices and procedures being carried out during production and
service of food. During the audit, speak with staff/ volunteers to gauge what is actually
happening day-to-day.
4. Record NA for questions which are not relevant.
5. On completion of the audit develop an action plan to ensure any non-conformances are dealt with
immediately and appropriately. Ensure a completion date is entered into the audit to document
the corrective action has been carried out.
6. Retain and file all audits.

Source: NSW Food Authority Vulnerable Persons Food Safety Scheme Manual Version 2

Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist 2010 Version 1

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

Sample Internal Food Safety Audit

DATE:

AUDIT
CONDUCTED BY:

Critical Item

AREA:
Compliant
YES
NO

Completed/
Actioned

Supplier Program
1.

The Approved Supplier List (Form 8) is up to date

2.

All commercial suppliers have provided the organisation with up-to-date

NSW Food Authority License, Food Safety and/or HACCP certification
information
All new commercial suppliers of potentially hazardous foods have been
provided with An Approved Supplier Form (Form 8)

3.

6.

When questioned, are staff aware of the food safety issues accepting receipt
of incoming products?
When questioned, are staff aware of the main food safety factors when
inspecting a food delivery vehicle
Are all products listed on your Approved Suppliers List

7.

Are specifications available for all products?

8.

Are these available at the receiving area?1

5.

Receipt
4.

9.

Do records for receipt of goods demonstrate accordance with the written

procedures?
10. Are refrigerated and frozen product temperatures monitored upon receipt
(except whole fruit and vegetables
11. Upon receipt are the products stored quickly in their appropriate storage
areas?
12. Is documentation available or is this observed?
13. Are food delivery vehicles inspected (monitored regularly) before receiving
goods?
14. Is documentation available?
15. Is the delivery record sheet completed?

Glass and Wood Policy

16. There is no evidence of glass or wood in food production areas

Labeling and Traceability

17. All perishable items in storage are clearly labeled with name, date of
purchase and use by date
18. All pre-prepared foods and work in progress in storage are clearly labeled

Storage
19. Are all storage areas neat and tidy with food products stored off the ground
and not in contact with wall surfaces?
20. Are all foods in storage containers covered and labelled with name of
product, date of receipt?
21. Is all packaging in good condition?

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

22. Are foods stored in a rotation use-by date basis?
23. Is there sufficient storage space?
24. Is there a dedicated holding area for foods on hold or involved in a recall?
25. Are temperatures of the storage areas operating in the correct range?
26. Are foods stored to prevent cross contamination from raw to cooked
products in storage areas?
27. Are foods stored to prevent cross contamination from raw to ready to eat
foods in storage areas?
28. Are foods free from allergens stored so that they cannot be contaminated by
foods containing allergens?
29. Is the structure of the storage area in good condition ie no cracks in walls,
impervious floors, no condensation in refrigeration?
30. Are equipment, door seals in good order?
31. Have appropriate corrective actions been taken and recorded?
32. Are chemicals and cleaning products stored away from food storage areas?
33. Are storage areas free of evidence of pests?
34. Are refrigeration appliances calibrated on a regular basis (at least once
every six months)?
35. The Food Safety Log (Form 6) is up-to-date and all corrective actions
completed

Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist 2010 Version 1

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

Critical Item

Compliant
YES
NO

Completed/
Actioned

Cleaning
36. The Cleaning Schedule (Form 12) is visible and is being followed
37. Does the cleaning schedule include all relevant information eg: instructions on
chemical preparation and cleaning steps, items to be cleaned, frequency,
chemicals to be used, equipment to use, who is responsible etc?
38. Are the cleaning schedules completed regularly?
39. Is there adequate equipment and facilities to undertake cleaning effectively?
40. Is the cleaning equipment clean, in good repair and stored appropriately after
use?
41. Are sanitisers for work surfaces readily available for use during food
preparation?
42. Are cleaning chemicals made up correctly?
43. Are MSDS readily available?
44. Is any verification of cleaning effectiveness regularly conducted?
45. Are all cleaning chemicals store separately from food areas?
46. Are all cleaning chemicals in clearly labelled containers?
47. All new equipment has been included in the Cleaning Schedule (Form 12)
48. The dishwashing machine is operating correctly and maintained in good order
(i.e. Wash tanks are emptied and refilled with clean water regularly)

Maintenance of Premises and Equipment

49. Is all the equipment in good repair and facilitate cleaning
50. There is sufficient and well maintained:- Lighting
Ventilation
Drainage
51. All reported equipment defects are being dealt with effectively
52. Unused or broken equipment is removed from the premises
53. Fittings such as benches are free from cracks and crevices, in good condition
54. Food service equipment such as boards/ crockery is free from cracks and chips
55. All major pieces of equipment such fridges, freezers ovens, hot holding
equipment, cold holding equipment are fitted with working temperature
monitoring gauges
56. All fixed temperature monitoring gauges have been calibrated at least in the
past six months
57. All probe thermometers have been calibrated monthly and any without a 1 C
tolerance disgarded
58. Is the premises in good repair with clean drains, no peeling paint, no holes or
gaps where pests might enter etc.
59. Are there building and equipment maintenance programs and are they being
followed?
60. Are all light fitting covered or fitted with non-shatter globes?
61. All probe thermometers have been calibrated every one month and recorded on
the Daily Food Safety Checklist (Form 2)

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

Critical Item

Compliant
YES
NO

Completed
/ Actioned

Pest control

62. There is no evidence of pest or rodent activity

63. Records of pest control visits and the treatments administered are kept
64. There is a pest control contract on-site
65. There is a map of all bait stations
66. Pest sightings are reported by staff
67. There is a record of all MSDS for all pest control chemicals used
68. Have actions been taken and recorded when there has been evidence of pest
activity?
69. External openings are adequately sealed to prevent entry of pests

Waste

70. Waste is removed when bins are full

71. Are waste disposal bins identifiable from food storage bins?
72. Are waste disposal bins identifiable from food storage bins?
73. Waste containers are covered, kept clean and emptied after each work period
74. The refuse storage area is separated from the food preparation areas

Personal Hygiene

75. Daily hygiene practices are monitored by the Co-ordinator and all corrective
actions completed
76. There are sufficient hand-washing facilities installed in all food handling areas
77.
Warm water
Soap
Paper toweling
78. Food handlers wash their hands as often as necessary

79. Food handlers use gloves appropriately and correctly

80. All jewelry including watches is removed prior to commencing direct food
handling
81. There is no evidence of eating or smoking in food preparation areas

82. Kitchen personnel wear appropriate protective clothing and protective head
coverings
83. All staff understand their responsibilities with regards reporting of illness

84. Sick staff are excluded from working with food

85. There is a first-aid box available/ wounds are covered with coloured, water
proof dressings
86. Are staff aware of food safety practices and their responsibilities?

87. Are staff aware they must not be at work when they may be suffering from a
food borne illness or condition?
88. Are staff trained in food hygiene?

Compliant
YES
NO

Critical Item

Completed
/ Actioned

Training and Induction

89. All staff training is up-to-date and recorded on the Food Safety Training
Register (Form 8)

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

90. all staff have been provided with the Food Safety Training Handouts (Form
9)
91. All new staff have been taken through an induction covering reporting of illness,
correct hand washing / correct use of gloves, and personal hygiene standards
92. All staff have appropriate skills and knowledge in food hygiene
93. Staff training records are up-to-date

Non-Conforming Product and Complaints

94. All incidents, complaints and non conforming products are recorded on the Non
Conforming Product and Complaint Form (Form 11) and all corrective
actions have been implemented

Product Recall
95. Any recall event have been implemented as per the procedures
96. Any recalls have been recorded on the Product Recall Form (Form 12)

Food Preparation
97. Is the 2hr/4hr rule not exceeded for the sum of all steps performed at room
temperature including preparation distribution and service?

98. Is preparation scheduled so that foods that do not contain allergens can be
prepared without contaminating them eg gluten free foods prepared before
gluten containing foods?
99. Are salads and other raw vegetables sanitised prior to serving?

100. Where a chemical sanitiser is used are there records to show levels are
maintained?
101. Correct use of equipment/ utensils prevents cross-contamination
102. Is there documentation to show that the cleaning program is followed?
103. Have appropriate corrective actions been taken and recorded where problems
arose concerning food preparation?
104. Are work surfaces, utensils and equipment clean and is there
105. Are chemicals stored in a manner to prevent contamination?
106. Is the risk of foreign objects (physical items) controlled to prevent
contamination?
107. Is equipment working and well maintained in this area?
108. Is equipment installed to facilitate effective cleaning in this area?
109. Is food waste disposed of efficiently and appropriately?
110. Are waste bins emptied regularly?
111. When questioned are staff aware of the risks when handling food?
112. Are staff wearing appropriate protective clothing?
113. Are staff following good hygiene practices?
114. Are staff who are not in good health kept away from direct contact with food?
115. Are there adequate hand washing and drying facilities for staff?

Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist 2010 Version 1

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

Critical Item

Compliant
YES
NO

Completed
/ Actioned

116. When questioned are staff knowledgeable in personal hygiene practices?

117. Are staff personal belongings stored in appropriate manner and not at risk of
contaminating food or equipment during preparation?

Thawing

118. Are food products thawed under refrigeration?

119. Are raw products thawed separately from cooked products to prevent cross
contamination?
120. Are products being thawed covered, and or wrapped and labelled?

121. Items that are thawing in cool rooms labeled with a sticker that specifies:- Date
removed from the freezer
122. All thawing products labeled

123. Thawed products are used within 3 days of removal from the freezer
124. Have appropriate corrective actions been taken and recorded wherever
problems have occurred?
125. Are foods covered during thawing?

Cooking

126. The Food Safety Log (Form 6) is up-to-date and all corrective actions
completed
127. Have the product monitoring forms been completed?

128. Are all foods handled with utensils or where direct hand contact is required, are
fresh gloves worn?
129. Has appropriate corrective actions been taken and recorded where problems
arose?
130. Are cooking times and temperatures satisfactory and monitored by staff?

131. Are all necessary steps taken to prevent the likelihood of food being
contaminated with microorganisms or allergens during the cooking process?
132. Are staff following good hygiene practices?

133. When questioned are staff knowledgeable in personal hygiene practices?

134. Is the equipment and utensils clean prior to use for cooking?
135. Is the working environment in a clean and sanitised condition at the start and
maintained as practicable as possible during the cooking process?
136. Is the flow of food such that there is no likelihood of cross contamination from
raw unprocessed food to ready to eat food?
137. Are staff not in good health kept away from direct contact with food ?

138. Is the temperature measuring equipment accurate?

139. Is the risk of post cooking cross contamination controlled?

Critical Item

Compliant
YES
NO

Completed
/ Actioned

Cooling
140. The Food Safety Log (Form 6) is up-to-date and all corrective actions
completed
141. Are there records of temperature monitoring for all refrigerated storage areas
used (eg cool rooms, refrigerators etc)?
142. Is documentation available?

Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist 2010 Version 1

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

143. Cooked foods are cooled to 21oC or below within two hours and 5oc or below
within a further four hours
144. Is the food covered where practicable while cooling down / after blast chilling?

145. If cooling in refrigerator or cool room, are foods kept covered?

146. Is there adequate control to prevent likelihood of cooked and ready to eat foods
becoming contaminated by raw unprocessed food?
147. Have the product monitoring forms been completed?

148. Have appropriate corrective actions been taken and recorded where problems
have occurred?
149. Are cooling down times and temperatures satisfactory and monitored by staff?
Is documentation available?
150. Are all necessary steps taken to prevent contamination during the cooling down
process
151. Are food containers dated and labelled with the product name prior to cold
storage?

Reheating

152. The Food Safety Log (Form 6) is up-to-date and all corrective actions
completed
153. Are all necessary steps taken to prevent the likelihood of food being
contaminated after the reheating process?
154. Are reheating times and temperatures satisfactory and monitored by staff?

155. Is the food reheated in appropriate food containers?

156. Has corrective action been taken and recorded where problems arose?
157. Is the food covered where practicable during the reheating process?
158. Is the risk of cross contamination during the reheating controlled?

Hot Holding

159. The Product Packing / Distribution Forms (Form 5) are up-to-date and all
corrective actions completed
160. Have appropriate corrective action been taken and recorded where problems
have occurred?
161. Are holding times and temperatures satisfactory and monitored by staff?

Critical Item

Compliant
YES
NO

162. Are all necessary steps taken to prevent the likelihood of food being
contaminated during the holding process
163. Are hot food holding facilities adequate?
164. Is the risk of contamination of the food while in display units controlled?
165. Are display / holding units clean prior to use?
166. When questioned are staff aware of the risks of contamination?
167. Is the 2hr/4hr rule not exceeded for the sum of all steps during the holding
process?

Completed
/ Actioned

Plating/ Packing/ Service

168. The Product Packing / Distribution Forms (Form 5) are up-to-date and all
corrective actions completed
169. Are there records of temperature monitoring for all refrigerated storage areas
used (eg cool rooms, refrigerators etc)?
170. Are serving times and temperatures satisfactory and monitored by staff?
171. Have appropriate corrective actions been taken where problems have occurred?

Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist 2010 Version 1

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

172. Are all necessary steps taken to prevent the likelihood of food being
contaminated during the serving process?
173. Is food covered where ever possible while being plated and served?

174. Is all food handled with utensils and are there sufficient serving utensils for use
175. Are staff aware of the risks of contamination?
176. Are staff following good hygiene practices?
177. Are all items of crockery and cutlery clean prior to use?
178. Are pest control measures adequate and effective?

Transportation

179. The Product Packing / Distribution Forms (Form 5) are up-to-date and all
corrective actions completed
180. All foods are stored in suitable containers to maintain temperature control
during transit
181. The temperature of all food items is checked before distribution

182. All food items are covered in a way to eliminate contamination

183. Are temperature control records completed and available for transport vehicles?
184. Are volunteers aware of food safety practices?
185. Are unprocessed raw and ready-to-eat foods delivered so that cross
contamination does not occur?
186. Have appropriate corrective actions been taken and recorded where problems
have occurred?
187. Have all the hazards during transportation been identified?

Critical Item

Compliant
YES
NO

Completed
/ Actioned

Customer/ Internal Complaints

188. Is there a system to record internal non conformances?
189. When questioned are staff aware of how to report out-of-specification product?
190. Are there clear lines of reporting and responsibility?
191. Are customer complaints recorded?
192. When questioned are staff aware of what to do if they were to receive a
customer complaint?
193. Is the action taken recorded as a result of this complaint/non-conformance?

194.

Product and Process Changes

195. Are there product specifications for all high risk foods?
196. Have all menu recipe changes been approved and documented?
197. Have changes to equipment been approved and incorporated into the Food
Safety Program (eg cleaning, maintenance, calibration programs)?
198. Have changes to process been approved and incorporated into the Food Safety
Program?
199. Have training records been updated in accordance with your system
requirements?
200. Have any new advice from FSANZ or the NSW Food Authority been
incorporated?
201. Are complaints acted upon and system changes implemented if required?

Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist 2010 Version 1

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

Food Safety Program Management System
202. The most recent internal food safety audit was conducted no longer than 12
months ago
203. The Food Safety Program is up-to-date
204. Amendments to the Food Safety program have been documented on the Food
Safety Program Amendment Form (Form 1)
205. The Scope and Purpose are still current
206. The members of the Food Safety team are still current
207. The product descriptions are still current
208. The flow chart is still correct
209. The Hazard Analysis is still current
210. The Food Safety Plan is still current

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Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist

Report all Food Safety Problems

Describe Problem

Describe what you did

about it

Who is
responsible?

When will
the
problem
be fixed
by?

Sample Food Safety Audit Checklist 2010 Version 1

FISHERKIDD @ Associates Pty Ltd

Completed
on (date)